This Book Could Change Your Life

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

In this video, I'll flip through the pages of my book "Life Is Better When You Draw It".
It took me about 2 years to write, design and self-publish the book. And it sounds easy, but there's a LOT to figure out as an illustrator who temporarily takes on the role of an writer and self-publishing author. Especially when you never self-published a book before. So today I will be sharing the challenges, obstacles, highs and lows of the book making process.

Life Is Better When You Draw It is an illustrated book for people who love drawing, but need inspiration to do so. It is also a tribute to drawing, and a glimpse into the world through the eyes of an artist. It is about how drawing can make you happy and mindful. As your paper soaks up the ink, you clear your head and forget about time and your to-do list.

Like in my videos, I don't provide art instruction in my book, because what you need even more when you want to draw is motivation, permission, and encouragement. No matter the outcome, the process of drawing makes you happy, and that’s what it’s all about.

My familiar mantra is: everything is interesting when you draw it. My book aims to inspire the reader to see the beauty in everyday things, and to capture it in line, shape and color.
Part art meditation, part celebration of life, Life Is Better When You Draw It is for anyone who wants to be truly present, and joyful, in their lives.

"Life is better when you Draw (it)" is a very uplifting book with such a colourful layout and copies of Koosje’s wonderful sketches. Very easy to read and holds one’s attention. Since I started drawing a couple of years ago, I have bought and read quite a few books and this is a great addition to my collection."
-Val

"Really inspiring and beautifully produced with some of Koosje’s great illustrations!"
-Rachel

"Thanks for putting the fun into drawing for me!"
-Christina

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BOOK

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If you like my Draw Tip Tuesday Videos, you'll probably also like my monthly live online sessions. I'd love to see you there!

Copyrights Koosje Koene

[NinaSChronicles]

This book DID change my life!!! I read it cover to cover then I reread chapters for inspiration and guidance. It’s my #1 art book and #1 motivational book!! I encourage you to pick up a copy today!

[barrettfamily]

I've had this book for just over 4hours and after devouring about half, inspiration moved me to pick up my sketchbook that I've been procrastinating with for months and finally put down my very first sketch. I felt the sense of fulfillment that your book speaks of and that I've been dreaming of. This book is inspiring and genuinely kind. That kindness opened my mind from all the negative thoughts and let me be kind to myself. Thank you Koosje for helping me, I had a wonderful time.

[JillMcKeever]

@KoosjeKoene, You changed my art life BEFORE you wrote the book. I discovered you when you were doing Draw Tip Tuesdays on the Sketchbook Skool channel. I fell in love with your style of encouragement and your beautiful wonky lines.
You gave me permission to love my wonky lines. When your book became available in the US, I bought it. It's truly an extension of your encouragement I read before bed, so I can wake into a creative flow in the morning.

And THIS BOOK should be a textbook handed out by every art guide working to lead others.
Yeah, I said it.

Have a wonderful week!
Jill McKeever
Austin, Texas

[filmwabbit]

Another Canadian who purchased your book through the UK publisher. Well worth the wait!!! Congratulations on your beautiful creation! This book is not only about art, it's a work of art!!! Wonderful sketches, gorgeous colour, informative, inspirational, and a pleasure to read from cover to cover. Your love of sketching and the warmth of your personality comes through with every word...in Dutch...or in English! Life Is Better When You READ It!!!!

[heatherdubeart]

I bought your book and it is AMAZING!!! Filled to the BRIM. I’ve never had a more thorough and gorgeous art book - yours is a must-have, in my opinion. Thank you SO much for all of your knowledge and inspiration!! I highly recommend this one. ❤❤❤❤

[margaretpolly]

I bought two, one for me and one to share. Even though it was translated to English, your own "voice" came through, which is so very pleasurable. It inspires me to make time to draw.

[christinefrei]

Dear Koosje.... I kept an eye on your book for a while.... This morning I finally orderd it after whatching your video yesterday.
I'm looking forward it to read & be inspired as I am always with your videos.

[fuzzydragons]

self publishing works great for artists, can keep control of things more, lots of work of course, but def can be worth it🙂

[cathyshannonmusic]

I was waiting for this book from when you first mentioned it a while ago and I've just ordered it! So excited to get it. Thank you for perservering with the creation of this book, you're amazing!!! You are an inspiration.

[christopherstables]

It's a great book. I have lots of ideas for illustrated books, but can never find the time or energy to push it forward.

[natalietarrant]

Absolutely perfect! Drawing is my therapy. You are spot on!

[silverpromidi]

My copy arrived today! Thank you for making this happen 💖

[darrensurff]

You would be great at graphic novels your style would be popular 😊😊

[CastellanSpandex]

I only found out about you this morning when one of your videos appeared. I ordered your book after watching a few sketchbook tours & before watching this. Now I've seen this video I'm so happy I put in my order. Absolutely stunning! I kind of stopped drawing a few years back & I don't know why. I think I lost confidence & forgot about doing it for its own sake, worried every picture wasn't a masterpiece. Silly really. I used to love pen sketching. I've recently bought new materials & finding this channel is really inspiring. The bingo card is a great idea. I also ordered from your preferred seller. Thank you for the amazing content! 🎨 PS, your voice is incredibly soothing. 😊

[TheresaAlberti]

I finally ordered the book (through the Great British Book Shop)! I have been following you and learning from you for years, Koosje, ever since the start of Sketchbook Skool. I really appreciated this video-- getting to see the book and to hear about your process of making it and getting it published. I've self-published a book but words only, so I didn't have to deal with all the art and design of the book-- wow, that's a lot! I can't wait to read it. Thanks for all the ways you inspire and teach us.

[Yorky]

A fantastic inspirational book, the message is just as interesting as the sketches. I can't put it down. I hope it is a great success. Shame on the publishers who rejected it.

[lucelaliberte]

I SO live your book ! Hearing of all this adventure it was for you to publish it makes it even more precious to me. Thank you !

[chibisu]

I just ordered the book 😊 I love your drawings and I am looking forward to receiving the book from the Great British Book Shop to Japan!

[wandamcdonald]

From Canada - Yes I have your book - ordered it through the Book Depository in the U.K. I totally love it!!! After reading it thoroughly I put it on my coffee table so whenever I have a coffee and feel like scrolling through it again, there it is - right at hand! My husband who is a music transcriber told me he wants to also read it...he hasn't quite yet picked it up but I'm sure he'll be going through it one of these days LOL. Thanks for all the hard work putting it together and publishing it. Cheers, Wanda

[AmandaInEly]

Koosje, I am watching this an hour after you posted it. Also an hour since I picked up your book from by my bed, where it had been hiding. I think I need to draw more!